Here's the Scoop

Primary season is almost over, but the races in New Hampshire could turn the tide for Democrats and Republicans in the fight for Senate control. For Republicans, it’s another test of President Donald Trump’s grip on the party, while Democrats' fight is between an establishment and a progressive candidate. NBC News chief data analyst Steve Kornacki breaks down those familiar midterm themes and explains how the calculus has changed for each party heading into the November election. Then, five years after the Taliban retook control of Afghanistan, Yasmin speaks to two young Afghan women about how they rebuilt their lives in the U.S. — and to NBC News' president of editorial, Rebecca Blumenstein, who helped make it happen. Rebecca details how The New York Times evacuated 124 members of its staff and family members and helped them build new lives in a book, co-authored with Diana Kapp, “The Last Free Women: A Daring Escape from Afghanistan and Coming of Age in America,” out today. Finally, NBC News senior Hollywood reporter Rebecca Keegan takes us inside the surprise screening of Nathan Fielder’s documentary about Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes, which is already getting awards buzz. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Happy Labor Day! The annual celebration of American workers is rooted in the late 1800s, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday after technology introduced during the Industrial Revolution massively reorganized how people worked. Some say we’re seeing that reorganization again today, with the introduction of artificial intelligence. And just like back then, there are people who say AI will yield huge wins for the economy and prosperity – and others who are ringing alarm bells. Today on the show, Erik Brynjolfsson, professor and senior fellow at the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI and director of the Stanford Digital Economy Lab, helps us understand how the AI revolution is already reshaping the workforce and how you can prepare yourself. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Will Democrats retake the House, Senate and statehouses across the country this November — or will Republicans harness the “Trump effect” to defy history and hold on to power? How will issues like the economy, the war with Iran, America’s relationship with Israel and the rise of AI shape voter decisions? And where will the fight for power in Washington be decided? In Here’s the Scoop Election Edition, NBC News chief White House correspondent Garrett Haake invites newsmakers to discuss the themes, issues and key players shaping the 2026 midterms. Tune in every Saturday until Election Day. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The judge in the Lindsay Clancy murder case declared a mistrial today after the jury sent a third note to the court saying it was deadlocked. Clancy’s defense team tried to appeal to a higher court, but was almost immediately denied. What kept the jury from reaching a unanimous verdict? And what comes next for Lindsay Clancy? NBC News Legal Analyst Misty Marris explains. Then, we take a look at how private capital transformed youth sports into a $40 billion industry. New York Magazine contributing writer Caitlin Moscatello breaks down how the new playing field is impacting kids’ mental and physical health. Finally, we speak with the senior investigator on a new NYU Langone Health study which found that weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Zepbound may cause some men to lose their hair faster. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

New York City and Los Angeles school districts have launched moratoriums on AI in schools — in NYC through eighth grade, in L.A. including high school. WNYC education reporter Jessica Gould explains what’s in the New York ban and how it fits into a wider pushback against technology in schools nationwide. Then, Ukrainians are living under the most intense Russian bombardment since the war began. NBC News chief foreign correspondent Richard Engel visits a maternity hospital and a school near the Russian border that have been forced to operate underground. Finally, we remember the legacy of writer, activist and feminist icon Gloria Steinem, who has died at 92. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Fighting between the U.S. and Iran has ramped back up this week. Iranian officials have accused the U.S. military of striking a wedding party in Kuhestak, in the southern part of the country, Tuesday night, killing at least four people and injuring dozens more. U.S. Central Command is investigating, according to a U.S. official, who said the military had been conducting strikes in the vicinity. NBC News international editor Babak Dehghanpisheh breaks down why the U.S. military may have targeted Kuhestak and what the recent exchanges of fire reveal about the current stage of the war. Then, we’re continuing our look at the new power players shaping this year’s elections. This week: political megadonors. A New York Times analysis showed that the top 20 contributors have already poured $1.2 billion into contests this cycle — and that they’re mostly aligned with Republican interests. New York Times reporter Teddy Schleifer explains why billionaires are funneling so much money to the right and whether that could change if Democrats retake control of Congress in November. And the U.S. Open doubles matches may be the hottest ticket in tennis. After a hugely successful mixed doubles tournament last week, Venus and Serena Williams are teaming up in the women’s draw. Matthew Futterman, senior tennis writer for The Athletic, explains the growing fanbase in the format and how players are changing the narrative around age. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Search teams in the Grand Canyon are still looking for at least one unaccounted person after rescuing dozens from deadly flash floods that swept through the national park, leaving behind a trail of destruction and killing two people. Now there are questions about whether the flood warning systems in place were working properly, and whether the park service did enough to alert hikers to potential risks. NBC News correspondent Dana Griffin is on the ground in Arizona. Then, Israeli settlers in the West Bank have been targeting Palestinian families in recent weeks, trying to force them out of their homes. Over the weekend, an NBC News crew and the Palestinian woman they were interviewing were attacked by a group of masked settlers. NBC News international correspondent Matt Bradley explains how this fits into a larger pattern of Israeli settler violence and what the government is doing to rein it in. Finally, a jury in Nevada has convicted Duane “Keffe D” Davis of first-degree murder in the 1996 killing of Tupac Shakur. The Ringer senior staff writer Joel Anderson reflects on Tupac’s legacy, as the 30-year saga comes to a close. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As oil and gas prices continue to be driven by the war with Iran, President Donald Trump has announced an oil deal with Venezuela, which would give the U.S. roughly 65 billion barrels of the country’s oil reserves. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez touted the deal as an economic growth opportunity for Venezuela. But NBC News chief White House correspondent Garrett Haake explains why it won’t bring U.S. prices down anytime soon. Then, in Nepal, more than 900 people have been confirmed dead and thousands are still missing from last week’s catastrophic flash floods, including dozens of Americans, according to the U.S. State Department. NBC News correspondent Janis Mackey Frayer shares stories of survivors and the ongoing rescue efforts of people searching frantically for loved ones. Finally, former Rep. George Santos has been ousted again — this time from Kalshi. Wall Street Journal reporter Brian Schwartz explains why the prediction market platform is accusing Santos of insider trading on the State of the Union. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s been six months since the U.S. and Israel launched the Iran war, killing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and thousands of people, bringing traffic in the Strait of Hormuz to a halt and depleting American weapons stockpiles. NBC News contributor Hooman Majd looks at why the U.S. strategy hasn’t worked – and why Iranians aren’t rising up against their country’s new leadership. Plus, the sports betting industry has become the third-largest corporate donor in this year’s midterm elections, behind tech and crypto, according to Reuters. In Georgia, where sports betting is illegal, a super PAC funded by the industry has spent millions in state legislative races. Greg Bluestein, chief political reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, explains what they hope to achieve by playing an outsize role in Georgia politics. Then, the U.S. Open begins this weekend in New York City with a lot of uncertainty around the top contenders. Can Carlos Alcaraz defend his title as he returns from injury? Will Aryna Sabalenka lose her World No. 1 ranking? Will the stands erupt when Venus and Serena Williams take the court? Matthew Futterman, senior tennis writer for The Athletic, previews the potential chaos at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Devastating flash floods and mudslides wreaked havoc along the Nepal-China border this week, leaving hundreds dead and more than 1,000 missing. More than 500 foreigners are among the missing, including, by one estimate, roughly 65 Americans. NBC News correspondent Janis Mackey Frayer explains why the destruction happened without warning and what role climate change may have played. Then, jury deliberations are underway in the murder trial of Lindsay Clancy, who killed her three young children. While Clancy doesn’t dispute the killings, her defense team is arguing that she shouldn’t be held criminally responsible because she was experiencing postpartum psychosis. But the prosecution insists she acted intentionally and deliberately. As the jury weighs a set of complex outcomes, NBC News legal analyst Misty Marris breaks down what evidence and testimony from the five-week trial could be key to reaching a verdict. Finally, 2026 could be the year of the foldable phone. Samsung and Google already have models on the market, and Apple is reportedly planning to drop its version in September. But are consumers willing to shell out $2,000 for a little extra screen? NBC News chief tech analyst Joanna Stern explains why the phones have appeal. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, just agreed to pay up to $18 billion to settle a multistate lawsuit over teen social media addiction. While Meta denies wrongdoing, it has agreed to make changes on its platforms for younger users, like time limits and disabling “like” counts. But will those protections be enough? And will other social media companies follow suit? NBC News tech reporter David Ingram breaks down the terms of the deal. Then, Sen. Darline Graham, sister of the late Sen. Lindsay Graham, won South Carolina’s GOP primary runoff Tuesday, despite questions about her lack of political experience and foreign policy expertise. NBC News chief Capitol Hill correspondent Ryan Nobles analyzes why President Donald Trump had to campaign so aggressively for Graham to notch the victory. Plus, the WNBA’s season has been roiled by a debate around transgender athletes in women’s sports. NBC News sports reporter Andrew Greif explains how it all boiled over at a recent game and why the WNBA has become a cultural lightning rod. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Canada hit the U.S. with retaliatory tariffs on $20-billion worth of U.S. goods, ranging in rates from 15% to 50%. The announcement came after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney ended negotiations over “unfair” and “uneconomic” terms that he says the U.S. tried to impose and the Trump administration’s 50% tariffs on Canada that went into effect Saturday. As Canada looks for new global trading partners, Ann Fitz-Gerald, the director of the Balsillie School of International Affairs, explains how industry could be affected on both sides of the border. Then, the Supreme Court has issued a decision that could pave the way for President Trump’s executive order putting restrictions on mail-in ballots to move forward, while a lower court decides on its legality. But could pushing the can down the road affect whether and how Americans cast their ballots in the upcoming midterm elections? NBC senior Supreme Court reporter Lawrence Hurley explains why the ruling is just the first step, and how states are reacting to the decision. Lastly, we say goodbye to country music legend and “most likeable American” Dolly Parton, who died today at the age of 80. NBC entertainment correspondent Chloe Melas talks about Dolly’s legacy as a musician, a businesswoman and a philanthropist. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Trump administration has unveiled a new wave of secondary sanctions to further isolate Iran from the global economy. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says the government will target companies that still do business with Iran, but stopped short of naming names. Aaron David Miller, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, explains why Iran is dismissing the economic threats and what impact targeting its partners could have on Iran. Then, NBC News cybersecurity and surveillance reporter Kevin Collier breaks down why protests and vigilante vandals have pushed the surveillance company Flock Safety to make policy changes – and explains why civil rights groups say they aren’t going far enough. Plus, Yas takes a ride to NYC’s downtown to visit a subway newsstand revamped by comedian Al Mullen as part of a program to find creative uses for vacant spaces in the subway system. How he’s bearing the heat – and how he and his fellow comedians are using the project to inject inspiration into the daily commute. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The U.S. and Canada are facing a midnight deadline before President Donald Trump’s 50% tariffs are set to go into effect, affecting $20 billion worth of imports from Canada. A major sticking point in negotiations is the auto industry, which has already been struggling with the higher costs of tariffs. Nora Eckert, Reuters autos correspondent, explains what’s at stake for the sector and how the tariffs could affect prices for consumers. Then, NBC News Senior Political Reporter Jon Allen concludes his trek through some of the country’s biggest battleground districts with a stop at the Iowa State Fair. He explains why the fair has become such an important political stop and who he saw flipping burgers during his visit. Plus, the second World Humanoid Robot Games are taking place this weekend in Beijing. NBC News Correspondent Janis Mackey Frayer breaks down why China is so far ahead of the U.S. in robotics and why viral videos of robots malfunctioning only tell part of the story. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The U.S. national debt hit $40 trillion for the first time this week. The debt has more than doubled in the past decade, due to spending under both the Trump and Biden administrations. NBC News chief business correspondent Christine Romans explains how the national debt trickles down to affect American households. Then, we continue on our “Drive to Decision Day” roadtrip down I-80 with NBC News senior national political reporter Jon Allen … stopping in Toledo, where residents are struggling with inflation and divided about the growing presence of AI data centers in northwestern Ohio. And Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and their kids are making a surprise move back to the U.K. NBC News royal commentator Daisy McAndrew explains why Brits are not necessarily excited to see them return. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Could a shocking upset in Florida’s U.S. Senate primary, with democratic socialist Angie Nixon defeating moderate candidate Alex Vindman, force Democrats to switch strategies in their effort to win back control of Congress? NBC News Chief Capitol Hill Correspondent Ryan Nobles explains why certain progressive candidates won while others fell short and how President Donald Trump’s endorsements affected Republicans in his home state. Then, we check back in with NBC News Senior National Political Correspondent Jon Allen on his I-80 trek to some of the most competitive districts ahead of the midterms. Today, in Ohio’s 7th District, voters share how domestic abuse allegations against Rep. Max Miller are influencing their decisions. Miller has denied the allegations against him. Plus, White House aide Natalie Harp has been getting attention after Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., dropped her name at a rally. NBC News White House Correspondent Monica Alba explains how Harp got the coveted role and why the White House is responding so strongly to questions about her role in the administration. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The trial of Lindsay Clancy and the sudden death of actress Hayden Panettiere have thrust conversations about maternal mental health and postpartum care to the forefront. Dr. Sarah Oreck, a board-certified psychiatrist and expert on maternal mental health, breaks down how to recognize and support different postpartum diagnoses and why new mothers may not be getting the care they need in our medical system. Then, NBC News senior national political reporter Jon Allen’s “Drive to Decision Day” road trip continues in Pennsylvania’s 7th and 8th Districts, to see whether support for Trump among Hispanic voters has been impacted by the administration’s deportation agenda and ICE raids. Plus, there’s a feud brewing among the Los Angeles Lakers’ Buss family. ESPN reported Monday that the family, which has operated the Los Angeles Lakers for decades, planned to sell its minority stake in the team. But the team’s governor, Jeanie Buss, is disputing that report. NBC News sports reporter Andrew Greif dissects the real-life “Succession” drama playing out behind the scenes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and special envoy Jared Kushner agreed that the Gaza Strip’s “demilitarization” should start with Hamas handing over weapons under the supervision of an American military general, according to a senior Israeli official familiar with their hourslong meeting Monday. NBC News International Correspondent Matt Bradley explains why that meeting could be a signal that relations are thawing between President Donald Trump and Israel. He also explains the situation in the occupied West Bank, where Jewish Israeli settlers have been harassing Palestinians. Then, we’re kicking off a new NBC News series, "Drive to Decision Day." It’s a six-day, 1,700-mile road trip to some of the most competitive districts in the upcoming midterms. Senior National Politics Reporter Jon Allen is on the ground in New Jersey’s toss-up 7th District trying to understand how voters are reacting to Rep. Tom Kean’s 100-day absence from Congress and whether a Democrat could ultimately oust him. And, in the wellness world, the hottest health trend is Poop Positivity. Dr. Trisha Pasricha, a gastroenterologist, details the do’s and don'ts of a healthy bathroom break and why it’s important to have toilet talk. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty today to federal stalking charges in the case surrounding the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. He said in court that he “shot Mr. Thompson in Manhattan in his back.” NBC News legal analyst Misty Marris explains how Mangione’s plea kicks off a double jeopardy fight in New York state court, where he still faces murder charges. Plus, when the Taliban reasserted control of Afghanistan after the U.S. pulled out in 2021, it promised to allow more freedoms for women. Five years on, that hasn’t borne out. Host Yasmin Vossoughian interviews Sara Wahedi, an Afghan-Canadian entrepreneur whose startup covertly connects women inside the country to critical services like healthcare and education they’d otherwise be unable to access. Then, will American interest in soccer keep going after the World Cup? Rebecca Lowe, host of NBC Sports’ Premier League, previews the upcoming English Premier League season and explains why this could be a turning point for American fandom. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Luigi Mangione is expected to plead guilty Friday in the federal case in connection with the 2024 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, according to sources familiar with the matter. It is unclear if Mangione will plead guilty to one or both of the two stalking-related charges in his federal case, but the expected plea comes less than a month before his New York state murder trial is set to begin. NBC News Legal Analyst Misty Marris analyzes what may have motivated Mangione’s lawyers to change his plea. Plus, in the 2026 midterms, three cryptocurrency-aligned super PACs have spent tens of millions of dollars to support both Democrats and Republicans. At least two of them list the same Minnesota address as their headquarters. OpenSecrets Senior Reporter Joedy McCreary breaks down how these PACs are working together to support candidates who would help formalize the role crypto plays in our financial system. Lastly, the dating app Bumble is breaking up with its entire premise. It said this week that it’ll allow men to message first. NBC News Internet and Trending Reporter Angela Yang explains how flagging dating app economics may have prompted the move. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.